The highly anticipated Egg Bowl is set to take place on Friday as the Ole Miss Rebels (8-3) prepare to host the Mississippi State Bulldogs (2-9). This in-state rivalry has a storied history, with Ole Miss leading the series 65-46-6. The Rebels face a critical matchup after a disappointing 24-17 loss to Florida, which significantly impacted their hopes for the College Football Playoff. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are struggling, having lost nine of their last ten games, including a recent 39-20 defeat at the hands of Missouri.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. The Rebels are heavy favorites, with odds indicating a 24.5-point advantage, and the total points expected are set at 62.
For those watching the betting lines, Ole Miss boasts one of the most potent offenses in the nation, averaging 38.5 points per game, positioning them ninth in college football. Quarterback Jaxson Dart has had an impressive season, with 3,732 passing yards, 24 touchdown passes, and effective rushing statistics as well. The Rebels’ defense adds to their strength, limiting opponents to just 87.5 rushing yards per game – the second-best performance in college football – and leading the nation in sacks.
On the other side, the Bulldogs, despite their troubles, have shown some resilience against the spread with a 6-5 record in that regard this season. Their ground game provides a glimmer of hope; they average 146.9 rushing yards per game and had a solid outing last week, including an impressive performance from running back Davon Booth.
Looking ahead to the match, the advanced computer model simulating various outcomes has leaned towards an under bet while providing point-spread projections that hit in more than 50% of its simulations.
This rivalry matchup presents an opportunity for Ole Miss to regain momentum and for Mississippi State to show resilience, making it a compelling watch for college football fans.
In summary, the Egg Bowl not only holds implications for post-season aspirations but also encapsulates the spirit of college football rivalries – highlighting passion, pride, and potential redemption for both teams involved.